The game against Sedgwick started in controversial circumstances as not all the team warmed up together, this seemed to galvanise the troops as the latecomers also received repremands from the captain!
Warton were asked to bat first on a green wicket, the Sedgwick bowlers finding plenty of swing and movement. This made batting conditions difficult and the first hour of play was a real battle as the Sedgwick bowlers bowled with great discipline, in particular J Matthews who went on to take 4-28 from 16 overs.
All of Warton's top four failed to reached double figures and with the returning Matty Poole dismissed for 5 Warton were in real trouble and heading for defeat. The game however began to change as Dan Dixon and Gareth Finney looked to build a partnership and get Warton back in it, Dixon also running brilliantly between the wickets to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Finney and Dixon picked off the odd loose ball and Warton passed the 100 mark with Finney joining the six hit list. This was a 'game changer' as the pair passed the half century stand before Finney went for 30. Dixon was joined by Ricky Nelson at the end who added valuable runs to see Warton finish on 132-7, Dan Dixon finishing on an excellent 38 not out and the total certainly gave Warton something to bowl with.
Warton seem to have a habit of finding their best form when under real pressure and once again Graeme Crowther and Jack Brown bowled superbly. Jack continued his early season form with the ball and picked up the crucial wicket of Hornby bowling him for a duck. This gave everyone a lift as early wickets were crucial with a relatively low total to defend. Warton continued to take wickets as Crowther bowling again with real pace put in a great shift bowling through which meant that the Sedgwick batters could not get away and the pressure was being applied.
Despite some poor fielding with two straight forward catches dropped Warton chipped away, the impressive Brown earning a well earned break and should have had more wickets if the catches had been held. Both Ricky Nelson and Danny Wilson were given opportunities to find more wickets as the overs ran out but it was left to Crowther to pick up late wickets as Sedgwick clung on for the draw. Sedgwick finished on 84-8 as Warton took 9 points from a game they seemed destined to lose at 3pm. It has to be said that Brown was magnificent with the ball, Crowther continuing to be one of the leagues leading wicket takers at this stage of the season.
Lots of work to do but Warton remain unbeaten heading into June and can feel pleased with the battling qualities shown at the Hyning yesterday.
Tony Barrow's teas were good, a little short on cakes but on the whole an excellent effort, Ryan Nelson's fine pot is beginning to bulge and Pemberton's catching drill before the game will need tweaking and maybe another fielder needs to demonstrate that particular discipline!!
Onwards and upwards to a massive weekend ahead with a double header against Burneside and Carnforth.